At 73 feet in length and very highly spec’ed this is a serious offshore Passage Maker or Coastal Cruiser.

Capable of extended cruising without having to put into port thanks to large fuel capacity, great economy and an impressive list of equipment.
Water Maker, Trash Compactor, Stabilisers, Gensets x 2 , Air Conditioning, Washer, Dryer, Hydraulic bow and stern thrusters and a walk in engine room to name a few.

The full living and dining area of the Selene 66 is on the saloon level and is entered from the cockpit. Owners will enjoy three staterooms with crew quarters aft of the engine room and all staterooms have ensuite heads. The full width master stateroom is complete with a large ensuite, full length closets, and writing desk. The flybridge can be accessed from the stairway in the pilothouse. The Selene 66 flybridge allows for extended deck space that can accommodate a large tender as well as a perfect platform to fish, dive and just relax on.

Machinery spaces aboard are easily accessed through a transom door or main saloon and the engine room features full standing headroom up to 6’2”. All major components are within reach for ease of maintenance. In addition to clean engine room spaces, a massive lazarette includes washer and dryer units stored under a workbench.

Like all Selene yachts, she features fabulous interior woodwork, exotic granite, a selection of glamorous draperies and fabrics, as well as high quality European lighting and interior fittings. She is designed for extended cruising in style, comfort and safety.

Monday, December 1, 2014

Team Vestas Wind informed Race Control at 1510 UTC (Nov. 29, 2014; Day 11)that their boat was grounded on the Cargados Carajos Shoals,Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean

From SailingScuttleButt Team Vestas Wind may likely have concluded their Volvo Ocean Race campaign when their boat was grounded on the Cargados Carajos Shoals in the Indian Ocean on Saturday night, November 29. With both rudders broken and water ingress into the stern compartment, it was a grim moment for skipper Chris Nicholson and his team.

View of the shoal and the Team Vestas grounded from the lagoon side of the reefimage via Team Alvimedica

Sitting high on the reef, the crew waited until daylight, then stepped off the boat onto the reef, later to be transferred to a local rescue boat. Now they will stay on nearby Íle du Sud today (Nov. 30), with plans to return to the boat on Monday to remove gear and travel on Tuesday to Mauritius (Dec. 2). Click here for the incident report. Two questions are being asked. Where is Cargados Carajos Shoals and how can a professional team have this kind of accident?

Cargados Carajos with a general nautical chart on the Marine GeoGarage (UKHO)

Cargados Carajos is a group of long lying islands that are .8 square miles in area, with surrounding coral reefs.

What is says in the pilot about the Cargados Carajos shoals (NGA)… no really true if we look at the official maps (overlayed on satellite imagery).

As to why Vestas Wind ran aground, Vestas Chief Marketing Officer Morten Albæk is delaying comment. “The root cause of the accident is now under investigation. (However) we obviously hope to stay in the race.” A team led by the Vestas shore crew is now en route to Mauritius to further assess the damage to the boat.

Team Alvimedica is motoring with sails down about 1.8 miles from the vicinity

of where Team Vestas Wind is grounded.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing skipper Ian Walker was not surprised by the incident. “When we went past there we actually said how easy it would be to hit it at night. Fortunately we went through there in the daylight. It is very difficult to see it with the electronic charts, and of course at night you wouldn’t see it at all.”

Screen of the navigation software used onboard (Expedition):with C-Map charts at large scale, showing the Cargados Carajos Bank quite clearly.

Team Alvimedica, which had been near Vestas Wind at the time of the incident, was equally concerned about safely navigating through the area.

“We had been talking about these reefs for some time, so we were already pretty nervous about it,” noted Team Alvimedica navigator Will Oxley in front of Adrena software screen(see video)

Dongfeng Race Team reporter Yann Riou notes how they also had the Cargados Carajos Shoals directly in their path. “Skipper Charles Caudrelier had noticed this archipelago a few days earlier, but it’s worth noting that it’s actually pretty hard to find. In fact, to see it on our electronic charts, you have to zoom right in on top of it. But how and why would you zoom into it if you don’t know it’s there in the first place? So whilst we don’t know exactly what happened on Vestas, we can imagine how it happened.”

C-Map charts of the grounding area displayed at a small scale :

with digital vector charts, these reefs does not show up at some zoom levels

(at larger scale -: zoom) Who bothers to “zoom in” when you are in the middle of the ocean?

After analyzing the early information from afar, marine industry consultant and professional navigator Campbell Field provides his opinion on the incident… “Since Vestas Wind grounding there has been a huge amount of speculation and opinion as to how this happened, or who is to blame.

“It is far better to have absolutely no idea of where one is – and to know it – than to believe confidently that one is where one is not.”Jean-Dominique Cassini, astronomer 1170

“I don’t know 100% about other software packages, but Expedition routing can route freely (i.e. with no obstacles) or can be constrained by charts, or your own marks, or your own prohibited zones. Plenty of optimal route outputs run where you would have to put the wheels down. Ultimately, it is the user who defines how the routing output is run and results used. “The point I’m putting forward here is that software does not make someone a navigator. First you must be a navigator, and then know and understand the strengths and limitations of the tools you have. “When this is explained to a lot of people I meet, it is usually met with confused stares. The number of software jockeys (promoting themselves navigators) in yacht racing I have come across, who expect the answers to fall out of their computer, is astounding. Take the deck screen away from them and they couldn’t get out of the marina or find the top mark efficiently if their life depended on it. “Vestas Wind navigator Wouter Verbraak is one of the best, and firmly falls into the category of a superb yachtsman and navigator. He is one who understands the strengths and limitations of digital tools more than most will ever do. And one of the nicest guys in the sport to boot. “Mistakes happen. Just glad they are all safe and uninjured.”

REVIEW: MARITIMO 73/88

Measure this Maritimo 73 and she stretches out beyond her official length appellation to near 88 feet. This mighty Australian boat is built to circumnavigate our island continent and waters beyond.

In Australia, the mighty flybridge motoryacht doesn’t get more grandiose than the Maritimo 73. At 24.8m overall it is the largest example of this class I have reviewed. However, Serendipity, the example pictured here, owes its non-standard label – M88 – to its proud owner, who upon running the measuring tape over his fully-optioned new baby discovered it to be 85.13 feet overall, considerably in excess of its given 73 moniker.

MARITIMO 73

Access to the cockpit (which by my rough measurements paced out to around 48m²) proved simple via the hydraulic swimstep set to dockside height. The system allows the platform to be both raised and lowered through a wide range, facilitating easy boarding in most dockside and on-the-water situations.

A large hatch in the cockpit sole opens to present a spaciously outfitted engineroom. As expected on a vessel of this volume there is generous overhead clearance and plenty of working room around the twin C32 Caterpillars. While the space itself is home to a large number of accessories – air-conditioning units, twin generators, watermaker, a proper workbench and tools – it is sensibly laid-out and uncluttered.

SHAFTDRIVE ENGINES

A highly visual fuel bank and filtering system occupies the forward bulkhead. I like this setup for two reasons: firstly it allows instant and accurate fuel readings and filter servicing, and secondly the large tanks absorb much of the engine noise, which would otherwise be transmitted through to the master cabin.

Although it is not obvious in the images, Serendipity is a shaftdrive vessel. At this size that is not surprising but it does reflect the company’s philosophy of keeping the engineering as straightforward and low-maintenance as possible.

The boats Maritimo are producing claim fuel-efficiency figures at least the equivalent of any in this class, even those fitted with propulsion systems suggesting top honours in this field. The shaftdrive installations make it simple to ensure the balance of the boat is near perfect, with the engines and fuel tanks low and central to maintain the lowest possible centre of buoyancy. A relatively fine entry and a shallow shaft angle – just nine degrees – combine to deliver a great ride, which is claimed to be as lean as anything comparable on the market.

HANDLING

Even on a windy day with the tide working against us, the combination of power (more than 3000 horses), precision electronic controlling systems, hydraulic bow and stern thrusters, large, easy-to-manage cleats and generous fairleads allowed a stress-free and graceful departure handled by just two of us.

Joining our skipper on the bridge (one of three command centres onboard), I was impressed with the boat’s businesslike navigation station with contrasting social lounger and mezzanine deck behind.

Three top-quality leather helm seats complement the comprehensive dash. A three-screen Pro Simrad multifunction system surrounds Caterpillar displays, a sporty wheel and the digital controllers. Visibility is superb for the skipper and his mates and almost as good for those lounging behind taking in the views.

Cruising up a windy Sydney Harbour the decision had already been made not to push offshore for a coastal sea-trial. Our photography tender was not up to the conditions and time was against us. Trade-a-Boat has extensively sea-trialled three smaller versions of this hull with pleasing results, so I didn’t need to burn valuable time testing this 52-tonne, conventional shaftdrive beast to know it would be impressive.

DECK SPACE

When you have 25m and three levels to play with the usual design compromises – shoehorning in enough cabins and storage space to satisfy the modern boat owner without creating a catacomb-like maze – are much less of a factor. Even so, I was surprised not to see more cabin layout options offered on the Maritimo website.

While the M73’s internal offering is fairly standard – four cabins and three en suites below, a spacious saloon and aft galley on the mid-level, an equally generous bridge with lounging area and navigation centre up top – the presentation, as can be seen in the photographs hereabouts, deserves praise.

The talents of the company’s skilled local boatbuilders are on display. The timber joinery and upholstery are close to perfectly finished and the extensively-utilised stainless steel is polished to a mirror, with precisely-aligned screw heads.

CABINS

Highlights of the lower accommodation deck include bountiful storage in all the double cabins, large, well-lit bathrooms and a magnificent interpretation of the classic full-beam master cabin. The pragmatisms of boating life, even on this flag-bearing giant, have been considered, as is alluded to by the fresh, easy-clean approach to the en suites. Yet in two steps you walk from the practical and appealing guest accommodation level down into the contemporary sumptuousness of the master’s abode. An inviting king-size bed is the centrepiece of this retreat. A vessel’s acoustics are a good indicator of the investment a builder has made in quality furnishings and down here there is little chine slap and no echoing to be detected. Rich fabrics complement the heavily-upholstered wall panels and wooden joinery.

SALOON

Designed and built in Australia, we fully expect Maritimo boats to have the Australian lifestyle afloat front and centre of the creative process. The 73 doesn’t disappoint.

The long saloon makes the most of the natural light without scorching the inhabitants. Large windows provide great views, while the slight overhang of the top deck provides shade during the hottest parts of the day. I noted that it was possible to see down to the waterline while seated, which ensures the large selection of comfortable couched seating for’ard makes the most of the panorama outside.

In keeping with the principles of indoor/outdoor flow the large L-shaped galley occupies the rear half of the saloon, easily servicing the adjacent formal dining table and the aft deck. A household quality Miele oven and cooktop act as the hub situated on gleaming white bench tops. Other features including an island serving/breakfast bar, deep sink, a large-volume side-by-side domestic style fridge/freezer and a pull-out pantry are all easily accessed by the chef from this point..

Aft deck access is provided by a system of custom-built stainless steel sliding doors. Their obvious weight is testament to quality, although it is essential to ensure the catches are in place when underway.

As mentioned earlier the aft deck itself is enormous – around eight metres long and six metres wide. It is augmented by a two-and-a-half-metre hydraulic swimplatform, providing customisable access to the dock or the water as is needed.

A three-seat sunlounger complements a four-seat alfresco dining table. A massive barbecue and wetbar stand by at the ready and a chest-freezer ensures no trip is too ambitious for Serendipity’s food supply.

THE VERDICT

As things worked out I finished my tour of the Maritimo 73/88 on the front deck inspecting the impressively heavy gear on the bow. From this point Serendipity’s volume is obvious yet it’s softened by generous curves and lines of designers who know a boat’s beauty is 50 per cent of its appeal.

She is certainly a pretty boat, particularly with the deep blue hull finish. She also offers the disarming blend of style and practicality Bill Barry-Cotter is famous for. I like that the company stays true to its beliefs – building the best boats they can for long-term ownership regardless of the whims of the market.

There is no doubt this is one of finest locally-built production boats I have reviewed in recent times.